Board of Public Works Approves Grant Funding for Six Community Beautification Projects Led by Local Community Groups
The Beautify LA Grant Program Supports L.A. Neighborhood Beautification Initiatives
LOS ANGELES, CA (December 21, 2022) – The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the recommendations of the Office of Community Beautification (OCB) and Keep Los Angeles Beautiful (KLAB) to award funding for six neighborhood beautification projects as part of Cycle 2 of the Beautify LA Grant program. This grant program was created to support the efforts of community-based groups to beautify public spaces throughout Los Angeles.
“We are thrilled to see more community groups eager to invest in improving their neighborhoods through the Beautify LA Grant program,” said Board of Public Works President and KLAB Chair Aura Garcia. “When we work together, we are able to do even more to beautify our communities and allocate resources more efficiently by making improvements that meet the current needs of the area.”
This year’s top projects focused on drought-tolerant landscaping for public right-of-way spaces such as community gardens, streets and alleyways. Pending final permit approvals on select projects, matching grants in the amount of $2,500 each will be awarded to the following finalists:
- Elysian Park Canopy Restoration Tree Planting (CD1) submitted by Citizen’s Committee to Save Elysian Park – landscaping project
- Welcome Garden of Inclusion (CD7) submitted by Street Forward – landscaping project
- Tabor Court Green Alley Rehabilitation (CD11) submitted by Verdant Venice Group – landscaping project
- London St. Garden (CD13) submitted by Friends of London Street– landscaping project
- Rosewood Community Garden (CD13) submitted by Rosewood Community Garden – landscaping project
- Beautify Stanford Ave. (CD15) submitted by Harbor Gateway North Neighborhood Council – landscaping project
The initial round of review included 31 applications with 20 of those being rated high enough to make it to the second round of the application process. There were 12 final applications submitted and six of those were recommended for funding. The KLAB Advisory Committee was responsible for evaluating proposals during the application and proposal rounds. Finalists were determined following an evaluation and scoring process that took into consideration proposal criteria, geographical location (additional points were given to projects by and within disenfranchised and low-income communities), and the City’s needs and priorities. Grant funding is limited and was awarded on a competitive basis.
“The Beautify LA Grant has once again been an opportunity to connect with local groups and help various beautification projects move forward whether through funding or by connecting them with City resources,” said Paul Racs, Director for the Office of Community Beautification. “We appreciate the work of our volunteer-based KLAB Advisory Committee who evaluated the grant proposals and helped select the top projects that align with the City’s needs at this time.”
The Beautify LA Grant program is intended to engage, educate, and empower individuals to take personal action to improve their neighborhoods, foster new partnerships and build community pride. Finalists are required to match a minimum of 25% of the grant amount through contributions including outside funds, discounts or donations of professional services or materials and supplies, and general volunteer time.
For more information on OCB and its services and programs, visit www.laocb.org